Minor Variance

If your proposed property change does not comply exactly to the Zoning By-law, but follows its general intent, you can apply for a minor variance. For example, you may want to locate something on your property but the shape of your lot won't let you meet the minimum setback distance.

Local municipalities have approval authority for Minor Variances. To find out whether your proposed change can be considered as a minor variance, you should contact Building and Planning Department.

How to apply for a Minor Variance

We are currently only offering Minor Variance Application submission via in-person submission. Please make an appointment with the Junior Planner prior to visiting the Municipal Office to get your document commissioned.

Please complete the Minor Variance Application.

Along with a complete application, you'll need to include a sketch, drawn to scale, illustrating:

Size and location of all existing and proposed buildings, garages, pools, sheds, etc. on the property
All property lines and dimensions
Distance between all structures and the property lines
Driveway or point of access
Details about ownership, property description, building dimensions and an outline of the proposal
If your proposal is within the 30 m water yard, you will be required to submit a survey created by an Ontario Land Surveyor

To make sure your application package is complete, visit or make an appointment with staff at the Municipal Office to have your document commissioned by a Commissioner of Oath.

Fees

Include the required fee found in Section E of the Fees and Charges By-law.

Minor Variance approval process and hearing

Once you submit your application, we will process and prepare the application for Public Meeting for the Committee of Adjustment. Please view our Calendar for Minor Variance hearing dates. Staff generally require a minimum of 30 business days to prepare and present an application.

Review the hearing process:

The public meeting notice will be mailed to property owners within a 60 meter (approximate 200 ft.) radius of your property at least 10 days before the meeting date.
As the applicant, you are encouraged to discuss your plans with your neighbours because it may clarify matters and avoid misunderstandings or issues at the Committee hearing
Your or your agent will be able to speak on behalf of the application before the Committee of Adjustment on the date of the hearing. You can speak in person, over the phone or on the computer.
Any person may request to speak on behalf the application or documentation can be sent to Municipal Staff to be presented to the Committee of Adjustment.
Following the hearing, you will receive a Notice of Decision that specifies whether the application was approved or not, and if any conditions were included in the decision.

After the Committee of Adjustment

Once you have received the decision, there will be an appeal period of 20 days during which time no 3rd party appeals may be made. More information about the Appeal Process can be found at the Ontario Land Tribunal.

Once the 20 days is complete, you or your agent may apply for a building permit.

When do I need a minor variance?

General examples for a minor variance application include:

Height of an accessory structure
Setback to a private right of way or Municipal road
Interior side yard setback for a boathouse
Minor expansion in the water yard exceeding the allowable size permitted